The dual Brownlow medallist had his third straight season shortened by injury in 2016. After shoulder surgery (2014) and knee surgery (2015) limited his previous two years, Ablett was going along nicely until again dislocating his left shoulder against the Brisbane Lions in round 16 and requiring season-ending surgery.

At 32, he still has his pace and evasiveness and showed with 40 touches and a goal against Hawthorn that his best form was still there. Gold Coast no longer relies on Herculean efforts from Ablett to guide them to victories, but a successful recovery from his latest surgery means the Gold Coast will once again be able to witness the little master at work.